Love in the Time of Scandal

October 12, 2015
Linden's post-Regency Scandals series sizzles with this third installment as a marriage to avoid social scandal evolves into a greater emotional commitment. Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton, wants to marry Frances Lockwood because of her sweet and biddable nature, but she won't marry him until he professes his undying devotion. Though Benedict believes that Penelope Weston hates him, unwanted circumstances force Benedict to wed Penelope in order to redeem her reputation. And while neither one loves the other, they both admit that their mutual attraction is enough to start out their marriage. But a cloud remains over their wedded bliss as Penelope believes that Benedict has mistreated a friend to save face with his evil father, the Earl of Stratford, and she can't understand Benedict's inability to stand up to him. As she and Benedict learn to trust one another, they build up an easy truce that could be marred by his father's sudden appearance in London. Penelope is an especially engaging protagonist with her outspoken, feminist nature.

April 15, 2015
Lord Atherton is the last man on Earth Penelope Weston wants to marry, but when a scandal forces her to do just that, they're surprised to discover they're a perfect match, though not everyone is pleased with the union. Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton, has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with her, so Penelope is determined to quash any attraction she feels for him. He may be the heir to an earldom, but he's also an arrogant cad. But when Penelope tries to help a friend and Benedict steps in to protect her from assault, he winds up compromising her, and wicked rumors rise up around them. Benedict compels her to marry him-he'd been looking for a mild, temperate heiress to marry in order to get out from under his abusive father's control, but when fate puts the fiery, passionate Penelope in his path instead, he accepts the situation first with resignation, then with gratitude as he realizes she's his perfect wife. His father, however, neither approves of his marriage nor forgives his impudence at marrying without his blessing, and when the earl creates a dangerous situation that places Penelope in peril, Benedict realizes he must break free of his father's influence once and for all if he is to create a future with the woman who makes him happy. Linden has written a satisfying romance with a touch of mystery that digs into the psyches of an abused boy grown into an honorable man and the delightfully passionate heroine who unwittingly saves him. The ending ties everything up a little too neatly, but we forgive that small weakness because we are so invested in Benedict and Penelope's happily-ever-after. A smart, poignant, deftly written romance with characters who remind us that good can triumph and love can heal.

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June 15, 2015

Free-thinking Penelope Weston has nothing good to say about Benedict Lennox or any man who plans to marry without love. Yet when Benedict rescues her from a lecherous attack and then proposes marriage to save her reputation when vile rumors begin to swirl, Penelope ends up doing the very thing she was set against--with surprising, ultimately successful results. VERDICT Likable, flawed characters; an abundance of hot, passionate sex (helped along by Lady Constance and her notorious 50 Ways To Sin pamphlets); and a host of concerns that need sorting out result in a fast-paced, occasionally dangerous adventure. Another couple are happy at last, with enough unanswered questions here to keep fans anxious for the next book in the series. Linden (It Takes a Scandal) lives near Boston.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2015
Penelope Weston ruined at least one proposal for him; Benedict Lennox isn't going to let her scuttle another. He needs a wife, and Frances Lockwood would be a perfect candidate. She is sweet natured, her family is socially acceptable, and she comes with a suitable dowry. The problem is that Penelope is one of Frances' good friends, and she has been filling Frances' ears with nonsense about his scandalous lack of character. Benedict is determined to keep as far away as possible from the infuriating, interfering Miss Weston, but when he stumbles across her in a dangerous situation at a soiree, his gentlemanly instincts immediately take over. Before the night is over, however, the resulting scandal threatens to ruin Penelope's reputation. The only possible solution is for Benedict to propose to her, but will she accept his offer of marriage or slap him in the face? Love in the Time of Scandal's shrewdly matched protagonists, abundance of heady sexual chemistry, and satisfying measure of sharp wit and snappy banter make it a stellar addition to RITA awardwinning Linden's (Love and Other Scandals, 2013) fabulously entertaining Scandalous series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)